Retailers at the the Whitgift Centre – the shopping centre that will be demolished to make way for the new Westfield – have also not yet been told when they have to leave, according to the Sutton and Croydon Guardian.

Westfield Croydon is set to be developed by the Croydon Partnership, a joint venture between Hammerson and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

It was previously expected that construction would begin in September this year, with the opening date slated for 2023.

However, Newman reportedly already met with the developers, adding that they were “committed to investing in Croydon”.

The Retail Gazette has contacted Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield for further comment.

The redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre, part of a wider £5.25 billion regeneration of Croydon, was first approved by the Croydon Council in November in 2017.

This was shortly followed by the green light from London Mayor Sadiq Khan in January last year, and a final green light from Croydon Council in June whereby the Croydon Partnership were granted compulsory purchase order powers to purchase the remaining land and interests it needs to complete its major project.

Once complete, Westfield Croydon will provide 500,000sq ft of new retail space, including over 300 shops, and create 7000 jobs.